The giant armadillo (Priodonte maximus, Kerr, 1792) is a mammal belonging to the order Cingulata, of the various species of armadillos, more specifically to the Chlamyphoridae family, which comprises 21 species found exclusively on the American continent (Santos et al, 2023). These species share characteristics such as a body covered in dermal plates and an ossified dorsal carapace that extends from the neck to the base of the tail, as well as a frontal shield on the head and knees that protects the body both from contact with the ground and from predators. They also have transverse bands on the middle portion of the body, which vary according to the species (Projeto Tatu Canastra).
Exclusive to South America, the canasta armadillo can be found in the Andes, Argentina, Venezuela, French Guiana and, in Brazil, throughout the Cerrado, Pantanal, Amazon and fragments of the Atlantic Forest (IUCN). Also known as the tatuaçu or giant armadillo, it stands out for its size, reaching 1.5 meters in length and weighing up to 60 kilos, with sharp claws measuring approximately 20 centimeters (MÖLLER-KRULL et al., 2007; VIZCAÍNO; MILNE, 2002). Its main diet consists of termites and ants, but also includes larvae, scorpions, spiders, eggs, fruit and other insects (ANACLETO; MARINHO FILHO, 2001). Their coloring varies from pale yellow to reddish brown and they have nocturnal and semi-fossorial habits, spending part of their time below ground (Silveira et al. 2009).
Despite its rigid appearance, the giant armadillo is agile, being an excellent runner and possessing great skill in digging holes (MÖLLER-KRULL et al., 2007; VIZCAÍNO; MILNE, 2002). It is able to keep its balance on its hind legs, leaning on its tail, due to a process in its spine, called the Xenarthra process, which allows it to reach high termite mounds and threaten predators (Pereira Junior et, al. 2007).
The life expectancy of these animals is 15 years in a natural and preserved habitat. Sexual maturity is reached between nine and twelve months, with each pregnancy lasting an average of 120 days, usually resulting in one cub, according to Desbiez et al (2019). Breastfeeding is exclusive from 6 to 8 months of age, but the cubs remain by their mother's side until they are 18 months old and can be seen in the same territory for up to 2 years. Females have more than one partner during their lives, and the species is considered solitary, except during the mating season. Curiously, the mother moves the cub to another burrow every 15 days, closing the holes with earth and plant material, a behavior that does not occur when she is alone (AYA CUERO; SUPERINA; RODRÍGUEZ BOLAÑOS, 2015; DESBIEZ; MASSOCATO; KLUYBER, 2019).
Little studied due to its burrowing habits, which make it difficult to see and study, the giant armadillo is one of Brazil's least known large mammals. Called the "Ecosystem Engineer", their burrows alter the physical environment and create new habitats. In the Pantanal, these changes influence at least 24 vertebrate species, such as the bush dog, ocelot, giant anteater, among others (Tamires Maruiti Serra et al, 2024). Evidence of the species' presence includes destroyed termite mounds and burrows in the shape of semicircles that can be more than 40 cm wide and 30 cm high, made close to insect colonies. Researchers have discovered that the preferred areas of the canasta armadillo are the "Murundu", small raised fields usually with a termite mound in the middle and surrounding vegetation (Granchi et al, 2024). The canastra armadillo's home range covers around 25 km², and this territory is almost exclusive to each individual. Each animal can travel an average of 1.6 km during a single night, with males moving more in search of females in heat, and can walk up to 3 km per night (DESBIEZ et al., 2019).
Although there are no exact population estimates for the species, the population has been declining in recent decades, classifying it as vulnerable on several national and world lists, including that of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature - 2014). In the Pantanal, the population density estimated by ICAS (Institute for the Conservation of Wild Animals) in 2021 was 6 to 8 individuals per 100 km² (Granchi et al, 2024). Hunting, trampling, habitat loss and fragmentation are the main threats to the species, which is rarely found in altered habitats. The extinction of the canasta armadillo could result in the simplification or reduction of fossorial habitats, negatively affecting other species that depend on these environments.
Some actions can help preserve the species, such as protecting the natural habitats and conservation units where the armadillos live; monitoring and controlling hunting; expanding scientific research to support the management and conservation of the species; as well as implementing environmental education programs aimed at conserving the species, through educational campaigns. An example of a conservation project for the species is the Tatu-Canastra Project, run by ICAS - Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (Institute for the Conservation of Wild Animals), which aims to gather information about the armadillo-canastra, its behavior and natural history, in order to protect it.
Author: Maria Eduarda Panisson Balzan
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